By Jake Lawson, LLC Formation Strategist
Michigan’s got a reputation for being business-friendly, but they don’t mess around when it comes to LLC name availability. I’ve seen too many entrepreneurs get their filing rejected because they thought “close enough” was good enough. Spoiler alert: it’s not.
After helping over 1,200 entrepreneurs navigate state filing systems, I can tell you that Michigan’s Business Entity Database is actually one of the more user-friendly tools out there. But knowing how to use it correctly? That’s where most people stumble.
Let me walk you through the exact process I use to ensure your Michigan LLC name clears the first time.
Why Michigan LLC Name Searches Are Non-Negotiable
Here’s the reality: Michigan requires business names to be “distinguishable upon the records.” This isn’t a suggestion—it’s the law under Section 450.4204 of the Michigan LLC Act.
What this means in practice:
- Your LLC name can’t be identical to any existing business
- It can’t be confusingly similar to existing entities
- The entity type (LLC vs. Corp) doesn’t matter for uniqueness
The cost of getting it wrong: A rejected filing, lost time, and having to pay the state fee again (though Michigan gives you 60 days to refile without additional cost—one of the few states that does this).
Pro tip from the trenches: I always tell my clients to search first, celebrate later. I’ve seen too many entrepreneurs design logos and order business cards before confirming name availability. Don’t be that person.
Accessing Michigan’s Business Entity Database
Michigan’s Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) maintains the Business Entity Database. It’s free, relatively fast, and available 24/7.
Direct access: cofs.lara.state.mi.us/SearchApi/Search/Search
Note: This link only works from U.S. IP addresses. If you’re searching from outside the U.S., you’ll need to use a VPN or proxy service.
My Proven Michigan Name Search Strategy
After 15 years of doing this, I’ve developed a foolproof approach that catches conflicts others miss.
Step 1: Basic Search Setup
- Field: “Search by Entity Name”
- Search Type: Keep it on “Begins With”
- Your Input: Core business name without “LLC”
Step 2: The Multi-Layer Search Approach
Most people search once and call it good. That’s amateur hour. Here’s my professional approach:
Search Sequence for “Riverwalk Studios LLC”:
- First search: “Riverwalk Studios”
- Second search: “Riverwalk Studio” (singular)
- Third search: “Riverwalk”
- Fourth search: “Studios”
This catches variations and similar concepts that could block your filing.
Step 3: The Clean Search Technique
What to leave out:
- LLC, L.L.C., Limited Liability Company
- Commas, periods, apostrophes
- Articles (the, a, an)
Case doesn’t matter: Michigan treats “RIVERWALK,” “Riverwalk,” and “riverwalk” as identical.
Interpreting Your Search Results Like a Pro
This is where experience pays off. The search results will show you existing businesses, but knowing what constitutes a conflict requires understanding Michigan’s specific rules.
Green Light Scenarios ✅
No results: Your name is likely available, but run broader searches to be absolutely certain.
Clearly different businesses: If you want “Riverwalk Studios LLC” and only see “Riverwalk Study Agency” and “Riverwalk Rentals,” you’re probably good to go.
Red Light Scenarios ❌
Exact match: If “Riverwalk Studios LLC” already exists in any form, it’s unavailable.
Nearly identical core names: “Riverwalk Studio” vs. “Riverwalk Studios” won’t fly—too similar.
Same concept, different entity type: “Riverwalk Studios Corp” blocks your “Riverwalk Studios LLC.”
Michigan’s Unique Exception: Plural vs. Singular
Here’s where Michigan differs from most states: Plural and singular versions ARE considered distinguishable.
This means:
- “Big Pine Sled Company LLC” is available even if “Big Pines Sled Company LLC” exists
- “Riverwalk Studio LLC” could coexist with “Riverwalk Studios LLC”
This is unusual—most states consider these too similar. Michigan’s being generous here.
Michigan LLC Naming Requirements: The Must-Knows
Required Designators
Your Michigan LLC name must end with one of these:
- LLC
- L.L.C.
- LC
- L.C.
- Limited Liability Company
Reality check: 99% of my clients choose “LLC.” It’s clean, professional, and universally recognized.
Comma flexibility: Both “Grandpa Joe’s LLC” and “Grandpa Joe’s, LLC” are acceptable.
Forbidden Territory
Don’t try to sound like a corporation:
- Inc., Incorporated
- Corp., Corporation
These designators are reserved for actual corporations and will get your filing rejected.
Restricted Words That Require Special Permission
Michigan maintains a comprehensive list of restricted words. The big ones include:
Financial terms:
- Bank, banker, banking
- Trust, trustee, fiduciary
Professional designations:
- Attorney, lawyer
- Architect
- Engineer
- Accountant (in some contexts)
Government-sounding terms:
- Department, bureau
- State, federal
- Municipal, government
Get the full list: Michigan’s Official Restricted Words PDF
The Distinguishability Rules That Trip Everyone Up
Michigan has specific rules about what makes names too similar. Here’s where most people get confused:
Designators Don’t Create Uniqueness
“Apple Blossom LLC” conflicts with:
- “Apple Blossom Inc.”
- “Apple Blossom Corp.”
- “Apple Blossom L.L.C.”
The ending doesn’t matter—the core name is what counts.
Filler Words Are Ignored
These don’t create distinguishability:
- Articles: the, a, an
- Conjunctions: and, &, or
- Prepositions: of
Example: “Petoskey Farms LLC” conflicts with “The Petoskey Farms Inc.”
Capitalization Doesn’t Matter
“Lake Iris Florist LLC” conflicts with:
- “lake iris florist Inc.”
- “LAKE IRIS FLORIST LP”
- “LaKe iRiS fLoRiSt LLC”
You can capitalize however you want, but it won’t make your name unique.
When Your Name Gets Rejected: The Recovery Plan
Don’t panic. I’ve helped dozens of entrepreneurs through this scenario.
What happens:
- Michigan LARA notifies you of the rejection
- They explain why your name wasn’t accepted
- You have 60 days to refile without paying the state fee again
My recommended response:
- Don’t take it personally—this happens to experienced entrepreneurs too
- Have backup names ready (you should always have 3-5 options)
- Run the new name through the same thorough search process
- Refile promptly within the 60-day window
The Professional Confirmation Call
When in doubt, call Michigan LARA directly: 517-241-6470
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm Eastern Time
What they’ll tell you:
- Whether your specific name is available
- Why certain names might be too similar
- Clarification on borderline cases
Pro tip: Have your search results ready when you call. It speeds up the conversation.
DBA Strategy for Michigan LLCs
Sometimes your perfect marketing name isn’t available as your legal LLC name. That’s where Michigan’s Certificate of Assumed Name comes in handy.
The scenario: You form “Brandi’s Hair Salon LLC” but want to market as “Brandi’s Braids.”
The solution: File a Certificate of Assumed Name for $25.
Key details:
- $25 filing fee
- Must be renewed every 5 years
- The assumed name must also pass the distinguishability test
- No limit on the number of assumed names
When you need a DBA:
- Marketing under a different name than your legal LLC name
- Operating without “LLC” in your business name
- Running multiple brands under one LLC
Domain Name Coordination: Don’t Forget This Step
Before you fall in love with any business name, check domain availability. There’s nothing worse than having “Perfect Business Name LLC” but being stuck with “PerfectBusinessNameLLC.biz” for your website.
My recommendation: Check domain availability before you even start the name search process. It can save you from heartbreak later.
Skip the Name Reservation Trap
Here’s some free advice: Michigan name reservations are unnecessary and a waste of money.
Just file your Articles of Organization directly with your chosen name. If it’s rejected, you have 60 days to refile without additional cost. Much better than paying extra for a reservation you don’t need.
My Recommended Formation Timeline
Once you’ve confirmed your Michigan LLC name is available:
- File immediately: Don’t wait around—someone else might grab your name
- Wait for approval: Don’t order business materials until your LLC is officially approved
- Get your EIN: Apply for your federal tax ID number
- Open business banking: Set up your LLC bank account
- Handle licensing: Check if you need additional business licenses
Business Name Brainstorming: My Battle-Tested Process
After helping 1,200+ entrepreneurs name their businesses, here’s my proven methodology:
Phase 1: Brain Dump
Write down every name idea without filtering. Get it all on paper first.
Phase 2: Variation Creation
Take each name and create 5-10 variations. Play with synonyms, abbreviations, and combinations.
Phase 3: The Sleep Test
Set the list aside overnight. Fresh perspective often reveals the winner.
Phase 4: The Sound Test
Read every name out loud. Some names look good on paper but sound terrible.
Phase 5: The Gut Check
Close your eyes, count to 10, and when you open them, force yourself to pick. Your subconscious often knows the right answer.
Formation Service Recommendations
If you want professional help: Based on my extensive testing, I recommend Northwest Registered Agent for their transparent pricing and excellent service. They’ll handle the name search and filing for you.
If you prefer a larger company: LegalZoom offers comprehensive services, though at a higher price point.
DIY approach: Michigan’s filing process is straightforward enough for most entrepreneurs to handle themselves once the name is confirmed available.
The Bottom Line on Michigan LLC Names
Michigan’s name search process is more forgiving than many states, especially with their plural/singular exception and 60-day refile grace period. But that doesn’t mean you should get sloppy with your search process.
The key principles:
- Search thoroughly using multiple variations
- Understand Michigan’s specific distinguishability rules
- Have backup names ready
- Don’t skip the domain availability check
- When in doubt, call LARA directly
Remember: The best LLC name is one that’s available, brandable, and serves your business goals. Don’t overthink it, but definitely don’t skip the search process.
Your future self will thank you for taking the time to do this right from the start.
Jake Lawson is an LLC Formation Strategist and Tax Advisor with over 15 years of experience helping entrepreneurs navigate U.S. business formation. He’s successfully guided over 1,200 business formations and provides unbiased reviews of formation services at llciyo.com.